Cryptococcal meningitis with onset of consciousness disorders and status epilepticus:a case study and literature review
LU Xinhua
MA Zantao
LIU Yibing
ZHANG Xiaopeng
Abstract：Objective To help neurologists,neurosurgeons,and critical care physicians better understand cryptococcal meningitis.Methods The clinical symptoms,cerebrospinal fluid(CSF),ink staining,diagnosis and treatment of a confirmed patient with cryptococcal meningitis were explored.Results After admission,the patient underwent tracheal intubation and assisted breathing with a ventilator.Cryptococcus was detected on the cerebrospinal fluid ink staining smear through lumbar puncture,and the cerebrospinal fluid culture had new Cryptococcus.CT scan showed normal imaging.Video EEG showed sustained epileptic discharge in the bilateral frontal area,especially on the right side.The patient received antifungal and antiepileptic treatment and underwent tracheostomy after sedative drugs were discontinued,but she remained unconscious.For financial reasons,the patient was taken back to a local hospital to continue treatment.Three months later,the patient died due to respiratory and circulatory failure after encephalitis.Conclusions Cryptococcal meningitis has no specific clinical manifestations.Careful examination of medical and epidemiological history is critical to early detection of this disease.Cerebrospinal fluid ink staining smear via lumbar puncture can quickly help diagnose the disease.Consciousness disorders and status epilepticus indicate poor prognosis.
Keywords：Consciousness disordersStatus epilepticusCryptococcal meningitisFungal infection
Publication Date：2024-04-09
Online Publishing Date：2025-08-15(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：4( 68-71 )